Israel Booted out of LGBTQ Conference

    This past week, a group of Israelis and Americans were forced out of the largest conference concerning LGBTQ rights. With thousands of people in attendance, this meeting was set to host a groundbreaking number of groups and organizations. One of these groups is A Wider Bridge. This organization was built with the intention to form a connection between the American and Israeli LGBTQ Jewish population. On Sunday, the leader of A Wider Bridge, Alex Slepian received a very interesting phone call from Sue Hyde, the director of this conference. She told Slepian that having his group there is a security threat to them. She claimed that threats had been sent out against A Wider Bridge.
    After this awkward confrontation, A Wider Bridge did not make an appearance at the conference, but went on to investigate the source of these so called "threats". After some digging, it was uncovered that these allegations were made up in order to keep this group from attending. Just days before this occurred, cyberbullies were stalking the web accusing A Wider Bridge of "pink washing" and continuing their consistent opposition towards the organization. Thankfully, as a much needed break from all the hate, a petition on change.org was organized as a formal apology to the victimized group. Reporters and newspapers from all over are offering their support and continue to put in a good word for A Wider Bridge. After the whole mess, A Wider Bridge decided to step up, stand for what they believe in, and move their reception to a hotel down the street, separate from the conference.

Well it's been an adventure so far that's for sure. Six days ago, I embarked on a journey that can't be explained with just simple words. After an extremely long and stressful application process, I am more than happy to say that I am officially a student on NFTY EIE. Being here and meeting people with similar Jewish intersects has been incredible so far. Every single one of us comes from a different background and tells a different story. Sitting in Jewish history class yesterday, we discussed the opposing views over the truthfulness of the stories told in the Tanakh. There's really no way to know for sure, but it was really incredible hearing the differing opinions of my peers opinions. Overall, the experiences I've been lucky enough to take part in over the past week have exceeded every expectation I had. I'm also really looking forward to seeing new things, meeting amazing people, forming life long friends, and making even more memories.